Pope to Italians: Remember 'values' in election

Pope Benedict XVI's Christmas message to Italians is being read as a near-endorsement of another term for Premier Mario Monti.

Pro-Vatican centrists are pressing Monti to run. Monti, an economist appointed in 2011 to save Italy from financial crisis, is a practicing Catholic whose Cabinet includes a minister closely linked to the Vatican. Monti says he'd serve again if asked by political forces backing his austerity agenda.

Benedict's greeting to Italians Tuesday included a wish that they reflect on a `'hierarchy of values" when making important choices.

The ANSA news agency says that is `'very close" to a Monti endorsement for February's elections. Vatican pronouncements wield influence in Italian politics